The qualification standards for the 2024 Paris Olympics in sprinting events present a challenging hurdle for Ugandan athletes. 

With standards set at 10.00 seconds for males and 11.07 seconds for females in the 100m, 20.16 seconds for males and 22.57 seconds for females in the 200m, and 45.00 seconds for males and 50.95 seconds for females in the 400m, the road to Paris is steep.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scheduled for August 2-11 in France are fast approaching. While the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has successfully qualified 20 athletes for these games, only one sprinter, Alabama-based Tarsis Orogot, has met Olympic qualification standards.

Despite efforts to secure qualifications from events like the African Games, the UAF Publicity Secretary, Abdallah Muhammad confirmed that none of the sprinters managed to qualify from Ghana. Muhammad remains optimistic, stating, "In the Olympic games, athletes either qualify by standard or by ranking. We have some sprinters who have improved their rankings, and if given more chances, they will qualify for the Olympic Games."

To secure a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes must meet stringent time requirements. The task is daunting, but opportunities still exist. Events such as the Kip Keino Classic set for 20th April in Kenya, the Kenya Athletics Trials, and the Africa Senior Athletics Championships scheduled for 18th to 23rd June in Yaoundé, Cameroon, offer avenues for qualification.

With the Olympic qualification window for sprinters set to close on June 30, Muhammad emphasized the importance of the national trials, where athletes who demonstrate exceptional potential will be prioritized for opportunities. However, former national record holder in the 100m and 400m, Justine Bayiga, attributes the declining performance of sprinters to a lack of dedication to training schedules. Bayiga urged athletes to recognize the importance of rigorous training, stating, "No one will push you to win a medal if you don’t push yourself."

Sarah Nambawa, the 2010 and 2012 triple jump Africa champion highlighted the need for equitable treatment between long-distance runners and sprinters. Nambawa emphasized the benefits of organized training camps, a structure predominantly enjoyed by long-distance runners. She expressed hope that better organization for sprinters could lead to improved performance.

The last Olympic medal won by Uganda in sprinting was a bronze in the 400m by Davis Kamoga at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. As Uganda's sprinters strive to make their mark on the international stage once again, they face formidable challenges. Yet, with determination, strategic training, and support from the UAF, they remain hopeful of securing their places in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

2024 Paris qualification standards for 100m, 200m and 400m

100m

10.00 Male:    11.07 Female

200m

20.16 Male:    22.57 Female

400m

45 .00 Male: 50. 95 Female